Proverbs 18:1-13

New Living Translation

18 Unfriendly people care only about themselves;
    they lash out at common sense.

² Fools have no interest in understanding;
    they only want to air their own opinions.

³ Doing wrong leads to disgrace,
    and scandalous behavior brings contempt.

⁴ Wise words are like deep waters;
    wisdom flows from the wise like a bubbling brook.

⁵ It is not right to acquit the guilty
    or deny justice to the innocent.

⁶ Fools’ words get them into constant quarrels;
    they are asking for a beating.

⁷ The mouths of fools are their ruin;
    they trap themselves with their lips.

⁸ Rumors are dainty morsels
    that sink deep into one’s heart.

⁹ A lazy person is as bad as
    someone who destroys things.

¹⁰ The name of the Lord is a strong fortress;
    the godly run to him and are safe.

¹¹ The rich think of their wealth as a strong defense;
    they imagine it to be a high wall of safety.

¹² Haughtiness goes before destruction;
    humility precedes honor.

¹³ Spouting off before listening to the facts
    is both shameful and foolish.